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Paris show: Hyundai Options out i30 N

Carbon-fibre add-ons increase Hyundai’s i30 N hot hatch flair

HYUNDAI Motor Company Australia (HMCA) is preparing to launch new options and accessories for its turbo-petrol i30 variants next year, which could be headlined by the hardcore components seen on the recently-revealed N Options at this year’s Paris motor show.

With 25 different components bolted onto the i30 N, the N Options will allow buyers to customise their South Korean hot hatch with more style and flair to match the eye-catching form factor of its Honda Civic Type R rival.

Though just in concept form at the moment, HMCA general manager of external affairs Bill Thomas told GoAuto that Australia has its hands up for all accessories that make it to production.

“We know that our owners are interested in enhancing and modifying their cars to a greater or lesser extent, and we feel confident this extra material will be spot on for us,” he said.

“We’ll be attempting to get everything we can.”

Mr Thomas indicated a first half of 2019 Australian release window for parts that are made available, but pricing will be confirmed closer to launch date.

Finished in a matte white paint with red decals on the doors and a contrasting black roof, the i30 N Option showcar sports a number of carbon-fibre-finished components such as a large rear wing, vented hood, chunky side steps and new-look rear diffuser.

What N Option components will carry across to the i30 N Fastback – which is due to launch in Australian early next year and also revealed at the Paris motor show – or the mechanically related Veloster N is currently unknown.

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s i30 N Line variant is also now confirmed for a first half of 2019 launch, initially offered alongside the 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol i30 SR warm hatch before the former is expected to supplant the latter.

As previously reported, the N Line sports N-inspired exterior and interior styling upgrades such as an aggressive front and rear bumper, 18-inch wheels, twin-exhaust outlets, a perforated-leather steering wheel and suede sports seats.

Mechanical upgrades over the SR include suspension, brake and tyre tweaks for a more dynamic handling characteristic.

The N Line grade is also expected to proliferate across to other Hyundai models and could eventually replace the SR variant of the Elantra.

Hyundai Motor Group executive vice-president of high performance vehicles and motorsport division Thomas Schemera said the N Options and N Line will bring a sportier flavour to its i30 small car.

“With our N portfolio we are shaking up the competition, and bringing new performance and emotions for our customers,” he said.

“The development of our N vehicles is grounded in motorsport and our engagement there is the pinnacle of N.

“The new i30 N Line and our i30 N ‘N Option’ show car illustrate our dual approach to customisation, making N available to a wider audience.”